8 of the Most Popular Types of Security Guarding Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Security Guarding jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Security Guarding Jobs

• Security

  Salary range: $32,000 - $39,000

  Security jobs are those that provide protective services for a business, facility, event, or location. Security jobs include law enforcement, private security, and private investigators. There are also many jobs available in cyber security, providing digital security. Each type of security job has a unique set of required skills and qualifications. For example, a correctional officer needs specialized de-escalation and physical training, while a digital security specialist needs education and experience related to information technology, backup, and authentication protocols.

• Armed Security

  Salary range: $35,000 - $44,500

  Armed security jobs involve working to guard a person or property while carrying a firearm. Your duties as an armed security officer vary. You may patrol an area to ensure that there are no security breaches. You may also ensure the safety of people who need security services. In some cases, armed security officers work in conjunction with police or other law enforcement agency, or but you may also work as a contractor for government agencies. Your responsibilities as an armed guard revolve around providing security services at stadiums, airports, banks, or other public venues.

• Live In Security Guard

  Salary range: $32,000 - $39,000

  Live In Security Guard is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Live In Security Guard jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $39,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Live In Security Guard job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Private Security

  Salary range: $32,000 - $39,000

  Private security professionals protect people, property, businesses, event venues, or private homes. Private security workers work for companies and individuals instead of public agencies. Your duties involve using security techniques to protect assets and people or to control entry and access to a venue. Jobs titles in this field include armed and unarmed security guards, surveillance specialists, security managers, and security equipment technicians.

• Unarmed Security

  Salary range: $32,000 - $38,000

  Unarmed security jobs include several positions that focus on improving the safety of a particular person or place. In this field, you may patrol a building as a guard, prevent loss of property, escort visitors to and from sensitive areas, and respond to alarms or other signs of unusual activities. Unarmed security guards are usually not police officers, so you may have to leave some jobs to a law enforcement officer. You may also use cameras and other security systems to monitor an area, operate a motor vehicle to patrol larger areas, and document your activities. Most unarmed security guards focus more on prevention than active enforcement, but you may be asked to physically intervene in circumstances as determined by your employer.

• Guardia Seguridad

  Salary range: $57,500 - $80,000

  Guardia Seguridad is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Guardia Seguridad jobs pay between $57,500 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Guardia Seguridad job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Unarmed Security Guard

  Salary range: $32,000 - $37,500

  Unarmed security guards are responsible for monitoring a person or location, such as a retail store, a concert hall, or an office building. Their duties include crime prevention, monitoring surveillance videos, investigating suspicious activity, and reporting to a police officer if needed. The day-to-day work of a security guard depends on their role. A retail security guard’s goal is theft prevention and video monitoring, while a security guard at a concert hall may check bags for illegal devices. All unarmed security guards must be alert and professional. Patrons or customers will go to guards with concerns or questions, so excellent communication skills are also needed.

• Security Guard

  Salary range: $32,000 - $39,000

  Security Guards work in various organizations to provide site or inventory monitoring and crime prevention activities. This may include actively patrolling an area on foot or in a security vehicle, or standing guard at key entrances or exits. In other cases, Security Guards may monitor security video footage and check credentials for those entering a facility. In an emergency they help direct emergency vehicles and police; they may also administer basic first aid. Security Guards keep accurate logs of daily or nightly activities and report any concerns to their supervisor. Ultimately, a Security Guard seeks to de-escalate a conflict whenever possible, but on occasion, they may need to restrain an individual. A job as a Security Guard likely demands non-traditional hours; some facilities require security for nights, weekends, and holidays.